Momentum Men’s Journey
The MoMENtum Men’s Trip is a boot camp for living awesome lives that are guided by Jewish values. Men enjoy empowering classes led by world-class Jewish educators and Israeli thought-leaders; explore spiritual Tzfat and Masada’s desert magic; enjoy Shabbat in Jerusalem with local families; and discover how to connect more deeply with themselves, their families, and their communities.
How to apply
This trip is designed for people who are not highly engaged in the Jewish community or Jewish ritual observance. Our participants must have children at home age 18 or younger OR be the parenting partner of a recent Momentum alumna. For 2021 and 2022 ONLY, the age limit for the youngest child is 21.
Participants must be physically and emotionally healthy.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Israel!
On our first day, we’ll head to Latrun, an army base, where we’ll pay tribute to the soldiers who dedicate a few years of their lives to keeping the Jewish homeland safe. We’ll begin to explore what living awesome lives means to each of us.
Day 2
Relationships
Family relationships can provide a living laboratory for growth. While exploring the mystical city of Tzfat, we consider how we can create stronger relationships and grow closer to our loved ones.
Day 3
Connection
A relationship with God can anchor us in every aspect of our lives in the present and can drive us toward our future. At Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center; Mount Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery; and the Kotel, the holiest place in the world, our prayers and thoughts connect us to God, ourselves, and our fellow Jews.
Day 4
Legacies
Today, we imagine the legacy we want to leave to our children and grandchildren. We consider our ancestors’ actions on Masada, and realize that we are all interconnected and responsible for one another.
Day 5
Kindness
Each person is made in God’s image, infinitely valuable, and deserving of dignity. As we prepare for Shabbat, we also prepare our souls through learning, singing, and connecting with those around us.
Day 6
Shabbat
We rest, recharge, and learn about kindness we show to our own families and to ourselves, then share a group lunch in a relaxed atmosphere and take in the peaceful joy of Jerusalem on Shabbat. We end the holy day with a special meal and rooftop celebration featuring a spectacular view overlooking the Temple Mount.
Day 7
Our last day in Israel!
We explore how each of us can take part in Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, and make a difference for Israel with Israel advocacy training. With our hearts full of gratitude for our many blessings, we are ready to channel our growth and inspiration in ways that impact ourselves, our families, and our communities.
faq
What does the trip cost?
For our participants, this is a heavily subsidized trip. You pay a $900 fee if your wife, ex-wife, or parenting partner is a recent (within the past 5 years) Momentum participant, $1,200 if she is not. The balance of the $3,400 per-person cost is covered by Momentum and your Partner Organization. Note that your fee does not include airfare, a $99 application fee, tips, and some meals.
Can I come on a different date with a different city?
The short answer is “No.” A vital part of the Momentum experience is creating community at home, with men in your city, and each Partner Organization invests in each of its participants to make this happen.
What if I have already been to Israel?
We give priority to men who have never been to Israel, or who visited before they turned 18, but many of our participants have visited Israel in the past. Apply and speak to your community leader for more details.
from our blog
Crisis in Ukraine: A Jewish Perspective
In this special presentation of Momentum Boost, Adrienne highlights the Jewish perspective of the complex Russian/Ukrainian conflict.